A fast-moving vegetation fire flared up around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon near Cedar Ridge Circle and US 36, west of Estes Park, prompting authorities to issue voluntary evacuation orders for residents in the surrounding area. The Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) alerted locals through official channels and the Larimer County Emergency Management system, urging them to gather essential items and remain prepared for potential evacuation.

Stage 1 fire restrictions, in place across Larimer County and Rocky Mountain National Park since September, remain in effect, limiting open flames and fireworks amid dry fall conditions.

Officials closed westbound lanes at the Devil’s Gulch roundabout and eastbound lanes at Marys Lake Road to allow emergency crews to access the fire safely. “Voluntary evacuation orders give residents time to prepare without causing panic,” an EVFPD spokesperson told reporters on site, emphasising the value of community readiness and annual drills, which have reduced response times by 20% since 2023. Local residents complied quickly, packing vehicles with documents, pets, and emergency supplies, while authorities coordinated alerts to keep 911 lines open for emergencies.

Rapid Response and Firefighting Tactics

EVFPD deployed more than 50 volunteers and career staff, using dozer lines, water tenders, and foam retardants to flank the fire, supported by mutual aid from neighbouring departments. Lessons from past events, including the 2024 Alexander Mountain Fire that consumed over 9,600 acres but spared residential areas, informed strategy and crew deployment. Firefighters leveraged brief spikes in humidity and natural terrain features to slow the fire’s advance toward homes and nearby commercial locations, including the Ace Hardware outlet and Pumpkin and Pilsners festival grounds.

This incident highlights Estes Park’s continued vulnerability to wildfires, a reminder of the devastation caused by the 2020 East Troublesome Fire, which razed hundreds of homes and prompted mass evacuations. EVFPD Chief Joe Harvey praised the community’s rapid response, noting that preemptive defensible space programs have bolstered local fire resilience. Authorities continue to monitor dry fuels across the region, urging residents and visitors to check resources like estesvalleyfire.org for current fire restrictions and safety guidelines.